Fund Joliet's Annual Homeless Drive

Every year, Joliet Homeless Direct Assistance runs a clothing drive in the late fall as the winter is around the corner and our large homeless population in Joliet desparately needs warm clothes, blankets, stocking caps, gloves, boots, etc. as well as nice clothing for job interviews to get back on their feet. This started as a two person run drive - the first year I and one of my best friends collected and delivered clothing, blankets, personal items and winter accessories to one of our two homeless shelters and the "tent city" a small area deep in a forest preserve where there is a small population of people living in shanty tents. By the second year we had two actual company sponsors, a thrift store and our local Curves women's workout center. The third year it dwindled down to myself only as my friend's health declined and is in the process of a liver transplant. The fourth year our little drive grew massively when two of us combined our efforts with a local church and were able to offer hot coffee, fresh baked goods, care packages, and donated tents!!! and all of the above mentioned winter items in a centralized location at Highland Park. Not a single article of clothing or blanket is wasted - the remainder is delivered directly to homeless people we meet as well as Daybreak Shelter.

This year, our 5th Annual, we want our drive to continue to grow to be the largest drive in Will County. We are in need of funds for new tents to raffle off, pesonal items, coffee, treats, as well as ID Vouchers to help people access employment and other needed services.

ANY amount is appreciated, and will help provide the poorest of the poor in our community with the needed items to defend themselves against Chicagoland's harsh winters! Every cent donated improves the quality of a homeless person's life this winter, so do not be shy or feel petty if you can only afford to donate a small amount. If everyone in the network donated a mere $2 each, that would reach our goal!